Sounders FC 2 Signs Midfielder Danny Leyva to Professional Contract for 2019 Season

Signing is pending USL and U.S. Soccer Federation approval; Leyva appeared in one game for S2 this season after helping Seattle’s U-17 squad to USSDA National Championship in July

SEATTLE, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC 2 today announced that it has signed midfielder Danny Leyva to a professional contract for the 2019 season. The signing is pending USL and U.S. Soccer Federation approval. The 15-year-old was part of the Sounders FC Academy U-17 squad that won the USSDA National Championship in July, and appeared in one match for S2 this season in which he played the full 90 minutes.

“We’ve been really pleased with Danny’s development,” said Sounders FC Director of Player Development Marc Nicholls. “He’s a rangy midfielder who has an eye for goal and is very capable as a defensive player and ball-winner. He’s a highly intelligent player and has a maturity beyond his years in terms of his decision-making.”

On September 29, Leyva became the youngest player in club history to start a USL match, and the second-youngest in league history to earn a start. He took one shot, completed 35-of-44 passes and recorded two interceptions in 90 minutes at San Antonio FC. Leyva played with the Sounders U-15 and U-17 teams last season and compiled 11 goals and 13 assists across all competitions. He began playing two years up with the U-17s during the first round of Generation adidas Cup this season, and played a crucial role for the club as they won the GA Cup and USSDA national championship.

“Danny is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder,” said S2 Head Coach John Hutchinson. “He is already a very polished player for his age, and we’re excited to watch how he improves with us next season.”